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The Bright Side of Imprecision: Creativity Meets Rational Inattention

Author

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  • Giuseppe Attanasi
  • Giuseppe Ciccarone
  • Giovanni Di Bartolomeo

Abstract

We propose a simple model that connects creativity to rational inattention, introducing a new formal channel through which imprecise information generates creative benefits. While imprecision usually entails costs, it can also make creativity a complementary dimension of information acquisition, reshaping the trade-off between attention and decision quality. Our main result is that creativity reduces the effective cost of information processing.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Attanasi & Giuseppe Ciccarone & Giovanni Di Bartolomeo, 2026. "The Bright Side of Imprecision: Creativity Meets Rational Inattention," Working Papers in Public Economics 268, Department of Economics and Law, Sapienza University of Rome.
    • Handle: RePEc:sap:wpaper:wp268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary Charness & Daniela Grieco, 2023. "Creativity and Corporate Culture," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 133(653), pages 1846-1870.
    2. Gary Charness & Daniela Grieco, 2019. "Creativity and Incentives," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 17(2), pages 454-496.
    3. Charness, Gary & Grieco, Daniela, 2022. "Creativity and ambiguity tolerance," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General

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